The official start to the NFL Draft season will begin after Sunday’s contest between the 49ers and Ravens.

It’s a bittersweet time of the year as it signals the end of an NFL season but is ushered in with the optimism of the NFL Draft. The 2013 NFL Draft is full of intrigue with no definitive No. 1 pick. Over the course of next 83 days, we will hotly debate the many issues that present themselves in the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Chiefs have said they will take the best player regardless of position. Geno Smith isn’t the top player in the draft but until they sign/trade for a veteran QB he will be my selection. There’s no sense in drafting Luke Joeckel here to have him block for Brady Quinn or Matt Cassel.

3. Oakland Raiders – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

The right side of the Oakland line was pretty bad last season. Jared Veldheer is a more than capable left tackle but moving him to the right side with Joeckel taking over the left side gives Oakland a very solid core of the offensive line which will be important for Carson Palmer or Terrelle Pryor.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

I don’t know who the Eagles put at the nose when the inevitable switch to the 3-4 comes. This selection gives them flexibility to play in multiple fronts without changing personnel and gives them two solid building blocks for the future on their defensive front with Lotulelei and Fletcher Cox.

Jabaal Sheard will audition at open side end in Horton’s 3-4 base defense. The big question for the Browns will be the health of Chris Gocong, who appears perfectly suited to play the SAM spot on this defense. Taking Barkevious Mingo or Dion Jordan would be displacing Sheard as they don’t appear to be good fits on the strongside. With Sheldon Brown most likely done, this pick should be a no-brainer if Milliner is on the board. Milliner gives the Browns a physical presence on the outside that is an excellent fit opposite Joe Haden.

Kevin Kolb has to restructure his ridiculous deal or the Cards will be taking a QB in this spot. The Cards would be wise to sign Brian Hoyer as a backup and turn the reigns over to Kolb during training camp. A full offseason as a No. 1 may be good for his development. Even if this is the case, they have to find a QB in rounds two or three to compete for the backup job.

Many are pointing to the Senior Bowl as the contributor for Eric Fisher blowing up. That’s just one example of his dominance. Turn the tape on and see him do it week in and week out. The guy is really good and deserves to be selected in the top 10 and could challenge for a spot in the top five.

The Bills are in an unenviable position. They need a QB in the worst of ways as another season of Ryan Fitzpatrick is not an option. While Wilson was voted as the best QB of the week in Mobile he didn’t inspire much confidence that he was the answer as anyone’s franchise QB. I think Wilson grittiness plays out well come draft time and he gets the nod here.

9. New York Jets – Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU

The Jets are going to have to be creative to work this draft in their favor. I can’t see them drafting a QB here with needs at OLB and the board being loaded with talent at the position at this point. The Jets may be a prime candidate to trade back into the first round to take a QB.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

The Titans struggles running the ball consistently begin on the interior of the offensive line. If they want to maximize the dollars they have invested in Chris Johnson, they will take Warmack in this spot. He’s as dominant a guard prospect that you will find.

11. San Diego Chargers – Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

As good as Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are, neither may carry the upside that Johnson does long-term. That’s saying a lot as both Joeckel and Fisher are carrying top 5 grades on my board. Johnson is three season removed from playing QB at the JUCO level and will be a first round tackle. That’s incredible to wrap your mind around. He will have to learn to anchor against power but he’s as good athletically as they come. Reminds me a lot of Nate Solder and that’s worked out pretty well for New England.

The Dolphins have some work to do this offseason. First and foremost is deciding on the future of Jake Long. Losing a LT, no matter how poorly he played this year, is not something that would make this franchise better. I’m not sure what I would pay Long, but I wouldn’t let him leave Miami without make a solid offer.

If Long bolts they could look for a LT or move Jon Martin over to the left side. Either way, finding a receiver early in the draft will be a priority. The Dolphins receivers combined for three touchdowns this season. That’s right, three. Patterson brings elite size and athleticism to the position. A couple of weeks ago, I took to the film to show you why he may be the top receiver in the draft. I don’t think I’m alone on that assessment.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

Defensive tackle may not be the biggest need in Tampa but Richardson falling any further is just criminal. Teaming Richardson with Gerald McCoy is sick. The amount of pressure that could be created through the A-gaps will be troublesome for Matt Ryan, Drew Brees, and Cam Newton. As much as I like Vaccaro here, I can’t see them passing on Richardson if he’s available.

14. Carolina Panthers – Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Ron and Dwan Edwards make up the completely inept Edwards Wall in Carolina. With any luck neither will be back next season.

News starting filtering out of the Senior Bowl that Floyd was being talked about as a fast riser and top ten pick. I don’t doubt that one bit. He’s explosive and versatile. Recipe for success in today’s NFL. His speed, burst, and ability to turn speed to power will have teams salivating after him. He’s a great fit in Carolina as they could use someone to pressure from the inside and disrupt the backfield.

I think Ansah best spot in the NFL is going to be as a 5T. With Sedrick Ellis and Turk McBride heading towards free agency, the Saints are left with Cam Jordan and Akiem Hicks to man the outside in their shift to the 3-4. Ansah could be an immediate upgrade at the position and move Hicks inside. With his strength and length he could be a major factor at the position.

16. St. Louis Rams – D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Ideally, the Rams could move Rodger Saffold to right tackle but with no left tackles worthy of this selection they opt for taking a pure RT. Fluker is an NFL ready run blocker that is a bit of a work in progress in pass protection. He’s not as bad as some would have you believe but there is work to do.

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Finally! Someone does not think the Vikings will reach for a WR in the first Rd. Spielmen has made it two solid drafts in a year without reaching. I hope he doesn’t start this year!!!

bradc11

The depth at receiver is solid and I can’t see passing on a guy like Brown at that point. Being able to get Terrance Williams or even a guy like Quinton Patton is a much better option for the Vikes.

Reggie

Same as last week with the difference of Werner to Moore. I love the Lions draft. DE, Interior OL, and safety help. I think those are the major problems. I keep hearing the Lions want a HR threat at RB. I do not know if that is in this draft. I think we might target Mike Gilissee later on or Reggie Bush in FA. With Xanders in Detroit do you think it changes the draft strategy of the Lions? You said he loves character. Moore, Frederick, and Elam seem to be solid characters.

bradc11

The board fell about the same for the Lions, so I didn’t mess with it. Xanders definitely values character and these guys don’t bring any redflags. I think that will be a change but ultimately the decision is Mayhew’s to make. We’ll see if there is any battles for power in the room. Xanders doesn’t seem to be that type of guy but egos get involved pretty easily. As for RB, I think a guy like Gillislee in the 4th makes a ton of sense. Not sure of any HR threats outside of guys like Barner or Ellington. I’d rather take a Ray Graham type in the 4-5 rd range…just personal preference. Knile Davis would also be intriguing for them and could be had later.

Reggie

The board did set itself up for these to be obvious choices. RB’s can be had later on. I think Leshoure will be better this season with another year away from surgery and more experience. He tends to bounce too much to the outside and make too many lateral moves. I appreciate Bell being a one cut runner and thought he was under valued. I like Graham as well. SAfety is a definite need…so much so that many think Vaccaro should be drafted. Delmas will be brought back but outside of him we just have bodies. Elam would give us another enforcer. DE is a huge need. I think Willie Young will improve but we will lose Avril and Lo Jack is just mediocre. MOore would fit in very nicely. Only major hole would be LB. No playmakers and unless Whitehead shows major improvement we still would not have one…its too bad Jarvis Jones has health problems or he would be the one I want.

bradc11

I think the team medicals is make or break for Jones. I’m not sure that we’ll know until draft day how those turned out. Ideally in this draft, you could trade back, pick up some picks in rounds 2/3 and take a guy like Vaccaro. Unfortunately just about every team in the top 10 is looking to do the same.

Reggie

Lions cannot take the risk of Jones. Thats too bad he is a good prospect. Everyone comparing him to Von Miller but he is not the same complete player…though just as much of a pass rushing threat. I agree with the trade back. Everyone says do it but that only works if their is a desperate team and an undeniable talent. Like you said everyone in the top 10 wants to do the same.

Reggie

Lions cannot take the risk of Jones. Thats too bad he is a good prospect. Everyone comparing him to Von Miller but he is not the same complete player…though just as much of a pass rushing threat. I agree with the trade back. Everyone says do it but that only works if their is a desperate team and an undeniable talent. Like you said everyone in the top 10 wants to do the same.

HardcoreBillsfan37

Bills taking Wilson at 8 is a little bit of a reach but definitely a welcome one. Hopkins in the second would be awesome for Tyler Wilson if they get him, as it would give him someone to throw to. Jenkins in the third would be a steal! The dude can play at a high level, he just needs to get healthy again.

bradc11

I agree and I agonized over this pick. I have Wilson as my thirty-something rated prospect and just don’t see enough to say he’s a franchise guy. I just don’t know what to do with the Bills. Glad I’m not the one responsible for turning in that pick. With Stevie Johnson possibly moving inside, it would be a great pick up to get Hopkins. I, too, love the Jenkins pick in the 3rd. Hope he gets healthy. I’m a fan of all 3 FSU pass rushers….Love Carradine, classic late bloomer. One of those guys that just needed it to click as I can remember watching him in HS thinking this kid is a monster. It took him awhile (through a whole slew of routes) but it looks like the light is on. Hoping for his and Jenkins health.

Braeden

Another great draft analysis/mock, per usual. Though for 1, I don’t see the Lions passing on a Milliner since CB would be their biggest need (in reality, I think they need to bring back Avril and take a player like Alex Okafor in the Second round) and Milliner is still a Top 5-7 prospect, so he fits the need and the range. So if Milliner goes there, then where do the browns go withh the 6th pick in your opinion? Good call on Eric Fisher, though I’m sure Chargers fans will be heartbroken if it happens that way and they can’t get Fisher. I don’t see Mingo as a top 10 pick because the production isn’t there, so I think Dion Jordan would be the better selection their, leaving mingo to fall to 12 to Miami since Patterson is an obvious reach for need there and this would be a non-reach and fill a need. I dont object to the lotulelei and Joeckel picks although they aren’t exactly popular. I don’t see Ansah going top 15 after an up and down senior bowl week, but the principle of a long athletic 5-tech( which even when I watched tape of him and all of his athleticism i never thought he had the skills to be a pass rusher in the NFL since the OYs in the pros are so skilled and athletic) makes sense. I don’t think Richardson or Jarvis Jones fall that far and I think that the Steelers go ILB (likely Minter), CB(likely Banks) or OL (likely Cooper or if they go OT then they could go Dallas Thomas of Lane Johnson if he falls.) I like the giants taking a pass rusher or Arthur Brown. Don’t like Fluker in the first. Why is it that Vaccaro goes of elam if you have liked elam throughout the entire process? I don’t like Keenan Allen, I would Rather see Hopkins, Williams, Patterson, or Wheaton over him, but receiver there is fine. Like the Vikings’ pick if available, but if not they go wideout, or maybe if one of the DTs fall to them. Love Datone Jones (then again, I would have like Barr more had he decided to come out this year) and could see him having a JJ Watt type of play style for a team. Absolutely LOOOOOVE the Trufant pick to my Patriots, i think he is the perfect Corner for our team and I’ve been high on him all year as he’s never fallen out of the second round in my mocks and after the senior bowl I see him as a potential Stephon Gilmore type riser with a good combine and pro day. I’d rather see Baltimore take OL or S before ILB if they retain Ellerbe (which is likely) so maybe a player like Dallas Thomas or any of the first few safeties. I’d rather see Jesse Williams (a glaring omission from you first round) go to San Fran.

bradc11

I don’t think the Lions are that bad off at CB…at least not as much as some think. If they re-sign Houston and Bentley comes back healthy, I think they can wait to take a CB. I just can’t see them re-signing Avril at the price he wants. Outside of Avril they have nothing at DE. I have been on record as not loving Moore but he gives them a legit pass rusher (albeit one that I think is best suited to play standing up).

I have soured on Elam after I was able to finish all the film work. Misses a lot of open field tackles and isn’t great in coverage. His highlights are great but overall body of work isn’t great. I’m a fan of safeties that are interchangeable and I don’t see that in him. Vaccaro is a CB playing safety. Not a great open field tackler but is remarkably better in coverage.

I’m not a huge Fluker fan but mocks are about projecting what you are hearing and not your personal opinions. Fluker is getting a lot of love and seems to be a lock for a first round pick at this point.

I’m working on Trufant’s senior film as we speak. I haven’t been able to watch much of it. Didn’t love his junior tape but looks much more refined in technique this year. Loved his competitiveness at the Senior Bowl. Word has him as rising to the 1st round and so far, I haven’t seen anything to dispute that. I am watching he and Xavier Rhodes simultaneously as I often do for comparisons sake. It’s neck and neck as I’m coming away impressed with Rhodes much more than I was watching him live. Both should find their way into the first. I agree on Trufant as a Gilmore type riser….so far it looks like that.

Who’s your starter opposite Ellerbe next season if they can re-sign. McClain wasn’t great and they need someone to drop into coverage. Seems like a perfect fit for Ogletree. I like Thomas there but I’m not sure that teams will have him valued equally to where I do.

I haven’t banged the drum for Williams all season and I can’t see myself doing it. I have wrapped up my Alabama film work and came away feeling Williams is solid but not spectacular. Could be a little bit of the system but he needs some work.

Braeden

Thats fair and desmond trufant has been one of my favorite players, and as a patriots fan I would be ecstatic to see him come to Foxborough. Also, i don’t know what you see in bentley, I don’t like him as a starter and houston is only a number 2, so bringing in milliner would give them a #1, houston #2, and #3/ #4 bentley/Lacey. I agree that Elam has some inconsistencies, but so does vaccaro, and reid, and jefferson, and anyone else in this class. I like Elam the best of whats available. Fluker improved in my opinion as the year went by but he does not warrant a first rounder imo. maybe a good combine/pro day could help but he is just not good enough in pass protection, he is like a better Ricky Wagner, which to me is a mid-to late second rounder and has a ceiling with a great predraft process is maybe an early two at best. Mcclain can start and on passing downs bring in a LB like Kiko Alonso in the middle rounds for coverage sets. I get what your saying but on a Team like san fran who could use more of a depth pick than a need pick, I think williams gives you a serviceable starting NT (as sopoaga could be gone via free agency) from Day one and he can play 5-tech if asked so if justin smith is ever out again.

bradc11

I don’t think the Lions are that bad off at CB…at least not as much as some think. If they re-sign Houston and Bentley comes back healthy, I think they can wait to take a CB. I just can’t see them re-signing Avril at the price he wants. Outside of Avril they have nothing at DE. I have been on record as not loving Moore but he gives them a legit pass rusher (albeit one that I think is best suited to play standing up).

I have soured on Elam after I was able to finish all the film work. Misses a lot of open field tackles and isn’t great in coverage. His highlights are great but overall body of work isn’t great. I’m a fan of safeties that are interchangeable and I don’t see that in him. Vaccaro is a CB playing safety. Not a great open field tackler but is remarkably better in coverage.

I’m not a huge Fluker fan but mocks are about projecting what you are hearing and not your personal opinions. Fluker is getting a lot of love and seems to be a lock for a first round pick at this point.

I’m working on Trufant’s senior film as we speak. I haven’t been able to watch much of it. Didn’t love his junior tape but looks much more refined in technique this year. Loved his competitiveness at the Senior Bowl. Word has him as rising to the 1st round and so far, I haven’t seen anything to dispute that. I am watching he and Xavier Rhodes simultaneously as I often do for comparisons sake. It’s neck and neck as I’m coming away impressed with Rhodes much more than I was watching him live. Both should find their way into the first. I agree on Trufant as a Gilmore type riser….so far it looks like that.

Who’s your starter opposite Ellerbe next season if they can re-sign. McClain wasn’t great and they need someone to drop into coverage. Seems like a perfect fit for Ogletree. I like Thomas there but I’m not sure that teams will have him valued equally to where I do.

I haven’t banged the drum for Williams all season and I can’t see myself doing it. I have wrapped up my Alabama film work and came away feeling Williams is solid but not spectacular. Could be a little bit of the system but he needs some work.

neighborhooddrunkpart2

Nooooooo we need Johnson to protect Ben Blide side.

neighborhooddrunkpart2

R.I.P Big Ben.

bradc11

No faith in Gilbert, Adams? Not that I’m disagreeing, I wouldn’t put much faith in that LT-RT combo. Just don’t see any chance Johnson or Fisher slide down…you would have to move up.

bradc11

No faith in Gilbert, Adams? Not that I’m disagreeing, I wouldn’t put much faith in that LT-RT combo. Just don’t see any chance Johnson or Fisher slide down…you would have to move up.

neighborhooddrunkpart2

I believe in Adams at RT but not LT. No faith what so ever in Gilbert RT or LT.

bradc11

I would agree, you guys are a LT short and those guys aren’t easy to come by. $10.8 million in the hole won’t allow for much movement in FA either. Might have to take a shot on a guy like Menelik Watson or Chris Faulk and wait for development.

neighborhooddrunkpart2

Or Oscar Johnson from LA Tech smh. Poor Big Ben.

neighborhooddrunkpart2

Or Oscar Johnson from LA Tech smh. Poor Big Ben.

neighborhooddrunkpart2

I believe in Adams at RT but not LT. No faith what so ever in Gilbert RT or LT.

MattLaker24

Can’t agree with the TE pick for the packers, even with Finley’s status up in the air.

The front 7 on defense is in shambles thanks to injuries to Perry, Bishop, Smith, and Worthy. Worthy actually tore his ACL towards the end of the season and it’s doubtful that he’ll even play next season. That leaves a gaping hole at the DE position. Couple that with the fact that Pickett is the only other solid DE on the roster and he’s another year older and offers little in the pass rushing department (though he was a monster in stopping the run this year). Let’s not forget that Hawk is overpaid and nearly useless at this point and I’m thinking Ted Thompson sees that the defense needs to be addressed early again this draft. That is why I can’t see him spending his top pick at a skill position.

IMO, the Packers 1st pick has to be in the Front 7 (DE, ILB – I like Minter the most out of any ILB this class, NT – John Jenkins would be strongly considered, Raji has underachieved this season and Jenkins could be too good to pass up, OLB – If someone like Dion Jordan were to fall that’d be an easy trigger to pull) The Interior O-Line (Cooper if he falls, Warmack should be gone by then), or FS (Imo, Vacarro seems like the only Safety worthy of a 1st round grade).

bradc11

I figured the TE pick wouldn’t be popular. I have routinely mocked DL to GB but no one fell this time. I’m not high on Jesse Williams, otherwise he would have been the pick. There’s no doubt that holes on the DL are the greatest need but TT rarely sacrifices value for need. Ertz is a stud and I can’t see him making it down to the Pack. If he does the value is tough to pass on.

I’m not a fan of Jenkins to the Pack. I think they need someone that is interchangeable on the DL. A guy like Kawann Short makes a ton of sense. I gave Minter a lot of thought at the spot but still like Ertz as an overall value pick more than Minter. If Vaccaro, Jordan, or Cooper fell to them it would be tough to pass on any of them.

http://twitter.com/KenJonesIsHere TheRealKenJones

Yours is the 1st mock I’ve seen that has the Chargers taking Lane Johnson at 11 even though it makes the most sense…if you know what you”re talking about. Well done.

John Steppling

No matt elam? I sort of cant see him lasting the second round, and might go top of the second. Also….short might be high, and and slyvester williams going in 3rd? Okafer has to go higher Id think….maybe not. what about sam montgomery? Again, i can see him in second round and a couple of those WRs dropping to the third.

final thought. I keep seeing mocks with brandon jenkins going in the third or late third round. Why is this? Because watching him play, at 260lbs, with a knowledge of playing standing up…….its hard to know why he isnt a mid or realy second round pick.

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